From Heisman hopeful to hoping to play

It wasn't too long ago when Toby Gerhart was considered one of the top running backs in college football. Now he's the backup to one of the best running backs in the NFL. It's been a humbling journey for the second year pro.

It wasn't too long ago when Toby Gerhart was considered one of the top running backs in college football. Now he's the backup to one of the best running backs in the NFL. It's been a humbling journey for the second year pro.

It's been less than four months since Adrian Peterson blew out his left knee but the All-Pro running back is hoping to be ready for the season opener against Jacksonville. In a tweet, Peterson wrote, "Hard work, determination, desire: goal: September 9."

Vikings' running back Toby Gerhart is a firm believer in his former Stanford teammate -- Andrew Luck. Gerhart says Luck is "going to be special" in the NFL. So special, that according to Gerhart, Luck is "Peyton Manning-esque" in a lot of ways.

Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams has finished serving his two-game suspension and is ready to help his team start winning. However, the All-Pro won't be getting paid over the next two weeks. It's part of his punishment from the Starcaps case.

Wild forward Guillaume Latendresse was back at practice Wednesday after missing one game and three practices because of a groin injury. He'll be available for Mike Yeo to insert into the lineup Thursday against Anaheim.

Denard Span took batting practice on Wednesday and he believes he's getting closer to playing again. "If my shoulder is ready to go, I'm going to play; if it's not ready to go, there's nothing I can do about it," he said. Span's goal is to play in the upcoming series against Texas.

A change in the Gophers baseball schedule. Coach John Anderson says the team will play one more game at Siebert Field on May 1. The idea is to give the ballpark one last hurrah before its replaced with a new stadium on campus.